"Don't Talk" by Larry Lee

Song#:  1078
Date:  06/26/1982
Debut:  82
Peak:  81
Weeks:  2
Genre:  Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  Lee served as a member of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils during their prime 70s years. Along the way he wrote/co-wrote several songs for the group including their biggest hit, 1975's "Jackie Blue" (#3), which Lee also sang. He left the group for a solo career as the 80s started and got signed to Columbia Records, who had issued the Daredevils' last album. "Marooned" appeared on shelves in 1982 and this lead single spent a minor couple weeks on the chart. It would be his only chart entry and his lone solo LP.

ReduxReview:  Whoa. This shocked me a little. When I heard this song I thought I had the wrong Larry Lee. I had to go back and confirm I had the right artist and song. Both were correct. I had fully expected to hear some type of Southern rock a-la the Daredevils, but what got pumped into my ears was glossy SoCal pop that sounded like a lost Christopher Cross track. What the...? Mind you, I'm not complaining as the Daredevils' brand of rock has never been a favorite, but the shift in style/genre was completely unexpected. I'm not sure how Lee went from redneck rock to smooth pop, but it works for me. I like this song and had I heard it back in the day, I might have considered a purchase. But the song and LP never got off the ground and they quickly vanished. It's too bad because anyone who enjoys some good SoCal pop should be hot on this tune.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  "Marooned" was not Lee's first solo effort. In 1978, he recorded a disc for A&M (the Daredevils' label at the time). Unfortunately, the album got shelved and it was never released.

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